Rock

Something in the Way Chords

Nirvana Beginner Key of Em 2 Chords 1 min read Updated Jul 2026

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

Em · C

Something in the Way Chords – Guitar

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Two simple chords

You need Em and C — two of the easiest open chords on guitar.

2

Gentle fingerpicking

Play softly. Kurt Cobain whispered this one. Use gentle downstrokes or light fingerpicking.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em

Underneath the bridge,

C

The tarp has sprung a leak.

Em

And the animals I’ve trapped

C

Have all become my pets.

Chorus

Em

Something in the way,

C

Mmm-mmm.

Em

Something in the way,

C

Yeah, mmm-mmm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Something in the Way"?

You need 2 Beginner-friendly chords: Em and C.

Is "Something in the Way" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated Beginner and uses only 2 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Something in the Way" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "Something in the Way"?

It was written by Nirvana.

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

Em · C

Something in the Way Chords – Ukulele

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Two simple chords

You need Em and C — two of the easiest open chords on guitar.

2

Gentle fingerpicking

Play softly. Kurt Cobain whispered this one. Use gentle downstrokes or light fingerpicking.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em

Underneath the bridge,

C

The tarp has sprung a leak.

Em

And the animals I’ve trapped

C

Have all become my pets.

Chorus

Em

Something in the way,

C

Mmm-mmm.

Em

Something in the way,

C

Yeah, mmm-mmm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Something in the Way"?

You need 2 Beginner-friendly chords: Em and C.

Is "Something in the Way" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated Beginner and uses only 2 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Something in the Way" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "Something in the Way"?

It was written by Nirvana.

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

Em · C

Something in the Way Chords – Piano

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Two simple chords

You need Em and C — two of the easiest open chords on guitar.

2

Gentle fingerpicking

Play softly. Kurt Cobain whispered this one. Use gentle downstrokes or light fingerpicking.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em

Underneath the bridge,

C

The tarp has sprung a leak.

Em

And the animals I’ve trapped

C

Have all become my pets.

Chorus

Em

Something in the way,

C

Mmm-mmm.

Em

Something in the way,

C

Yeah, mmm-mmm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Something in the Way"?

You need 2 Beginner-friendly chords: Em and C.

Is "Something in the Way" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated Beginner and uses only 2 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Something in the Way" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "Something in the Way"?

It was written by Nirvana.

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

Em · C

Something in the Way Chords – Banjo

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Two simple chords

You need Em and C — two of the easiest open chords on guitar.

2

Gentle fingerpicking

Play softly. Kurt Cobain whispered this one. Use gentle downstrokes or light fingerpicking.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em

Underneath the bridge,

C

The tarp has sprung a leak.

Em

And the animals I’ve trapped

C

Have all become my pets.

Chorus

Em

Something in the way,

C

Mmm-mmm.

Em

Something in the way,

C

Yeah, mmm-mmm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Something in the Way"?

You need 2 Beginner-friendly chords: Em and C.

Is "Something in the Way" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated Beginner and uses only 2 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Something in the Way" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "Something in the Way"?

It was written by Nirvana.

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Em · C

Something in the Way Chords – Mandolin

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Two simple chords

You need Em and C — two of the easiest open chords on guitar.

2

Gentle fingerpicking

Play softly. Kurt Cobain whispered this one. Use gentle downstrokes or light fingerpicking.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em

Underneath the bridge,

C

The tarp has sprung a leak.

Em

And the animals I’ve trapped

C

Have all become my pets.

Chorus

Em

Something in the way,

C

Mmm-mmm.

Em

Something in the way,

C

Yeah, mmm-mmm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Something in the Way"?

You need 2 Beginner-friendly chords: Em and C.

Is "Something in the Way" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated Beginner and uses only 2 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Something in the Way" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "Something in the Way"?

It was written by Nirvana.

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

Em

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

Em · C

Something in the Way Chords – Harmonica

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Two simple chords

You need Em and C — two of the easiest open chords on guitar.

2

Gentle fingerpicking

Play softly. Kurt Cobain whispered this one. Use gentle downstrokes or light fingerpicking.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em

Underneath the bridge,

C

The tarp has sprung a leak.

Em

And the animals I’ve trapped

C

Have all become my pets.

Chorus

Em

Something in the way,

C

Mmm-mmm.

Em

Something in the way,

C

Yeah, mmm-mmm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Something in the Way"?

You need 2 Beginner-friendly chords: Em and C.

Is "Something in the Way" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated Beginner and uses only 2 chords in the key of Em, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Something in the Way" in?

It is in the key of Em.

Who wrote "Something in the Way"?

It was written by Nirvana.